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The fact that you cannot transfer the shares is due to the fact that they are registered shares. This is the only way French groups can give these bonuses. You can transfer them after the lock-up period has expired by having them converted by the depositary. This is free of charge, but also includes the loss of the bonuses. Even then, you can change brokers, but only if they offer a custodian in France. Consors, a BNP subsidiary, is a good choice. (DKB should have a similar model?) Only then can you transfer these to your domestic custody account. So it really is a not inconsiderable effort.
The advantage of this is the fact that the dividend is taxed directly at 12.8%. As a result, you must of course declare this in your tax return. The same also applies to the sale.

French groups also have different savings models in this respect. Perhaps you can find out more about this.
Normally:
Savings sum <3000€, der Unternehmer übernimmt jegliche fälligen Steuern und Verwahrgebühren.

Sparsumme >3000€, the employee pays all taxes and fees.

Furthermore, the discount is usually so big that it's always worth it. In the past, I have always used the annual maximum. It was also a French company. The bottom line is that you always make a profit, regardless of whether the 5 years are blocked or not. 😅
So if you're not assuming future insolvency, I can definitely advise you to do so.
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@Hannes_SK Thank you for the detailed answer. I'll give it another thought.
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